The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? We are in the homestretch of the two week stay of Miss Cookie. Her family arrives back in Edmonton this evening at 7:30 p.m. As much as it has been lovely having her with us, we are looking forward to the quiet of just me and Alvin. No more “pee pads” strewn all all over the house and no little dribbles to clean up along the way. She is a sweet little one.

We were not up to stay as early as I had originally planned but definitely earlier than the past week. At this moment there is snow coming down. A few minutes ago I was out shovelling a bit on the deck and it was not snowing but had been snowing during the night and early morning hours. Looks like we are going to get a bunch more snow. I hope that this does not delay Cookie’s family from arriving tonight as we are getting low on pee pads even with a friend dropping off a bunch this past Friday night. Time will tell.

The pups are chasing each other in the hallway as I write this post. She is growling as Alvin chases her around. She hides under the desk and he of course cannot fit under the desk with the chair rolled under. Then she comes out and they quietly walk to the hallway where Alvin lays on his belly and she goes beside him and does the same. I think that they like each other. They do get along quite well.

Well I see lots of shovelling in my future. I will need to shovel the driveway. Tomorrow is garbage pick up so will need to do the driveway later on and by then hopefully the snow has stopped. There is so much more snow than last year. The rooftops are showing quite the heavy blanket and that always worries me. There is no way that I can remove snow from my roof.

Tomorrow is back to work. Cannot believe that ten days or so has passed already. Time flies. Back to the routine, back to normal. Our new normal.

Well I should get these yahoos downstairs and get this day going. A cup of coffee always tastes great first thing in the morning. Oh, they are wrestling / running again. Alvin does not want to but she does.

I wish you a great Monday. Be safe and keep warm.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie.

P.S. Well Miss Cookie it has been fun!

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Tuesday morning,

Sky is overcast

No sign of a beautiful sunrise.

Unsure of what the temperature is this morning.

Alvin is resting on his little bed beside in between my home and work stations.

I propped up my laptop more than previously with hopes that I will be closer to being ergonomic.

I am also going to use a foot stool to prop up my legs.

I have been suffering with lower back pain as a result of not having a very proper set up.

There is a nice desk and chair but with the laptop sitting on the desk I am looking down up not at eye level.

So hopefully this will help.

By the end of four days at home, my back feels better.

I tried to ensure that I was sitting properly and getting exercise.

 

One of my friends dropped me by another Easter dinner this one has ham and scalloped potatoes (tonight’s supper).

We chatted ensuring that we were keeping the proper social distance.

She had found this exercise for lower back pain from sitting improperly at desk.

My friend also mentioned that she has been doing this for a few days and thought it was helping.

So you lay flat on your back on a yoga mat or on the carpet.

Place a rolled up towel in the small of your back (not a big towel).

Then raise your arms on the floor but above your head with your palms down so that your pink fingers could touch (if you can).

Then your legs out front on the floor stretching your big toes toward each foot.

Do this stretching for five minutes whenever possible.

Maybe at a coffee break if you are working from home.

 

Well I slept in this morning …… so time to run and grab the coffee before starting the work laptop.

I hope that you were able to get some rest whether you are working or not.

Take care.

Be safe.

 

Walking today ….. yes we are.

 

Be kind and respectful.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 9th day of October, 2018.

I almost typed/keyed Monday ….. it is funny how habitual we are ….. first day of the work week for me is almost always Monday.

Mr. Alvin is curled up on his blue blanket on the floor beside me.

It is funny how the little things make you happy, make you feel content.

I feel that all is right with the world when Alvin is content, when he appears to be happy.

*****************

Life is filled with lightness and of dark.

Whether you see the light or feel the darkness.

We all pass the same way.

We are born, we eat and drink, we die.

So why is it that we feel the urge to label everyone.

Does it matter what colour your skin is?

Does it matter if you are woman or man?

Does it matter what your sexual preference is?

Does it matter if you believe in something greater than yourself?

Absolutely not.

We all are born onto this earth and we will all die on this earth.

We have to rethink our in between time on this earth.

So on this Tuesday …. just be a human being.

If you live in Canada, you are still a human being.

If you live in the U.S.A., you are still a human being.

If you live in Mexico, you are still a human being.

If you live in China or Russia, you are still a human being.

Nothing changes.

***********

Tuesday is grow day ….. learn something new.

Mr. Alvin moved from his blue blanket to sitting under my legs on the little piece of rug under my desk.

He likes to be close to me when I am at home.

 

So on this Tuesday, I hope that you are inspired to be a better human being.

I am.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who inspires me daily.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of October, 2018.

Thanksgiving Weekend ahead.

 

Yesterday was a beautiful day …. even went for a walk at work.

I did not sit at my desk for my breaks ….. went elsewhere.

Need to get up a move during the day more.

Felt good.

 

My daughter picked me up after work and we went to COSTCO.

That is always an experience in itself.

Funny how when people are being rude they do not make eye contact.

I guess they feel as though if there is not eye contact – you aren’t really there?

I do not know.

But there are always those folks in the stores that are just going along cutting people off.

In their own little world.

Quite rude.

We all are in a hurry.

We all are important.

We all have somewhere to go.

We all would rather be someplace else.

There was one gentleman that let my daughter and I go by …. we said “thank you” and he said “you are welcome.”

Yay for manners.

Well enough of that.

 

When my daughter was leaving after dropping me and the groceries off; after we had commented on the cart full, seeming as though we had enough food and stuff for a month, she said

“see you in two weeks” (for another trip to COSTO).

Funny how much food three people can consume in a short period of time.

And other stuff, too.

 

I had a great time with my daughter.

We always have a wonderful visit during the drive.

We came up with a new art project.

I am going to start putting my part of the project together this weekend.

So excited to do something with my daughter.

She is such a creative genius.

It will be amazing.

 

Mr. Alvin continues to sit on his blue blanket.

He continues to ask for massages when I am a captive audience.  (giggling)

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend.

 

I am thankful to be surrounded by amazing, thoughtful, caring, compassionate, passionate, supporting, loving friends and family.

I am thankful to have Mr. Alvin as my trusty companion and sidekick.

I am ever thankful to have this house – this home.  I never thought until 10 years ago that this was even a possibility.

I am grateful to be in good health, have employment and live in a great country.

 

Happy Friday everyone.

What are you thankful for?

 

Special Hello to:  my family and friends all over the world.  Happy Thanksgiving early.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of September, 2018.

The sky is partially overcast as the sun makes a good attempt to break though.

What a crazy weekend.

Saturday, I trimmed our front tree – a fair sized job – so happy that it is done.

Sunday, my daughter came had breakfast and a quick coffee and then we were on our way to IKEA.

We left my house at noon and got home, yes back here at 5:00 p.m.

Needless to say IKEA was busy.

Busy does not quite describe it.

Mothers with children.

University Students grabbing desks and school stuff.

Families looking at sofas.

Young couples looking as though they were furnishing their first home.

People were jumping over and walking over people.

No manners to be found.

I guess there was one fellow who had his manners with him.

The rest ….. well I am not one to curse … but I was cursing under my breath.

My daughter had measured and had made a list of all the items that she was looking to purchase.

She was redoing her office.

Needing a desk, a chair, shelving and a few other items.

WE were lucky and found the chair that she had wanted.

The chair was really comfortable.

We had to call upon an IKEA employee to do the paper work for the chair which meant she made sure it was in stock and then gave us a paper to give to the cashier when making payment.

She saw another desk that she liked better so we write it on the paper (IKEA gives you paper and a pencil to record the item and location of each item).

We looked around and I found a few items to purchase.

At one point I lost my daughter – it was my fault.

I strayed.

She found me.

I stayed with her after that … (pretty much).

The two items that once I got home fell in love with and they were two off white with gold circles pillow covers.

They look amazing on my brown leather sofa and they match perfectly all of my blankets and throws.

A few items we carried in the bright yellow IKEA bags until it was time to hit the warehouse section where we grabbed a cart with no sides, you know what I mean.

I know there is a specific name for them but it eludes me at this time.

We proceeded to gather the items on our list.

We realized right away that we would need two of the sideless carts.

So my daughter ran back to the entranceway of the warehouse to grab another one.

We were just at the CASHIERS which is where her desk was located when we realized that there were none left or at least none there.

We checked with an IKEA employee only to find out that they were sold out until Monday (today).

My daughter thought no way is she coming back here tomorrow.

I strongly agreed.

So off we went to find the other desk that she had originally chose (at home).

So she built her own desk.

A tabletop, legs, then needed the shelving cupboard to go under.

We managed to get that all sorted out.

Then at CASH my daughter gave the cashier the paper for the chair, once the order was all paid for we had to go to the other side of the building to the FURNITURE warehouse, get in line and give them

the paper for the chair.

They took the paper and we had to get out of the line-up while they went to get the chair.

They took my daughter once the number came up on the screen to get back into the line-up to get the actual chair.

WOW.

In between the wait, I ran to the food counter on the main floor and picked us up a treat.

Can you imagine $1.00 for a soft frozen yogurt and $1.50 for a sundae?

So while we waited for the number to come up we had a lovely cold treat.

We must have been in that area for over 30 minutes.

Putting the purchases in the car went well.

Everything fit.

It take some getting out of the parking lot and to the street that would take us to the exit to take us home.

ARGH.

But we made it.

It was quite the afternoon.

Even thought we were frustrated to no end, I would not have traded the time with my daughter for all the time in the world.

We even managed to laugh amongst the “cursing.”

Once home, got Alvin ready for a walk.

We stopped at our friends N & I ….. I came to the door but Alvin wanted N … had to see him.

So funny.

N said that he would come today and check our A/C.

I am so blessed.

It was supposed to be yesterday but who knew that IKEA would take five hours?

No me, not my daughter.

After that visit we were on our way.

When we reached Teddy’s home …. Alvin made a bee-line for the door.

There was a young man walking on the sidewalk but we cut over the lawn.

He kept walking toward their house.

Everyone including Teddy was happy to see us.

I apologized for the unannounced visit as it was about suppertime.

But there was no stopping Alvin so I figured a moment would be okay.

We ended up being invited in and had a nice visit.

Teddy’s Aunt was still there and the young man was my friend’s son.

So got to meet him.

Well turned out to be a great day.

I did not get Alvin’s hair cut and bath done so we will be doing that shortly.

Once I have breakfast.

Hard to be motivated when the sky is overcast and it is raining.

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do on this LABOUR DAY.

To all those folks who have been injured on the job and to all those folks who led the way to make things better for us all, thank you.

 

Special Hello to: you, today.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

NOTE:  reminder to self not to attend IKEA on the long weekend before school starts……

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 15th day of May, 2018.

Another gorgeous day has begun.

The sun is shining and the sky is blue.

We are up.

Are you?

Sorry I could not resist.

A little rhythm to start the day.

I guess not actual a rhythm, but I love this word.

 

This is a short work week for me.

A busy fun weekend is only a few short days away.

I booked Friday and Tuesday off so I will have a five day weekend.

Alvin has his regular Dr. appointment on Friday morning.

The grand-pups will spend the day or so with us on Saturday as the kids are attending a wedding.

Actually my son-in-law is in the wedding party.

Exciting.

Their friends are getting married the same day as the Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

I will be up bright and early to watch the wedding.

There is just something about a Royal Wedding.

I love watching them …. reminds me of the Fairy Tales that I read as a child.

The Prince …. the Princess ….. the dress …… happily ever after.

One could dream.

Teddy’s Aunt J will be visiting his house this long weekend so we are going to squeeze in a visit with her.

I have plans to do some spring cleaning in the garage.

Lots to do.

 

Will work extra hard to get my desk all cleared off before I leave so that it does not take my breath away when I return.

Actually things are going well at work.

YAY.

 

Well here we go.

Almost time to leave for work.

Alvin is on his blue blanket until I click on “off” on the computer and he seems to know.

Have a great day.

 

Special Hello to:  all those folks who are anxiously awaiting the Royal Wedding ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 7th day of February, 2018.

One week from today is Valentine’s Day.

WOW, spring is on the way.

It is snowing very lightly this morning and feels warmer than it has been.

Perhaps it is the positive energy in me that gives me that feeling, who knows?

I do know one thing for sure …. at some point in some amount of days …. weeks …. months, we shall have spring.

I love spring.

The colours ….. the energy …… the flowers ….. TULIPS.

Tulips are my daughter’s favourite flowers.

I would like to surprise her and plant some bulbs so that perhaps next spring she could awake one morning and find tulips blooming in her back yard.

That would be nice.

 

Last night my special nephew “T” called me.

His Grandmother recently passed away.

They were very close and I hold him just a bit closer during his time of loss.

Grandparents are so very important and when you grow up having them there at every stage of your life ….. they are greatly missed when they pass.

Hugs buddy, hugs and much love.

 

Yesterday was one of those days that I really thought I was losing my mind.

I could not keep negative crap out of my head.

Between work and the bus ride home ….. well ….

Today is a new day.

I am grateful to my “T” for without knowing it and without wanting to make the conversation about me, he brought me back.

Thanks again, buddy.

 

Well here we go almost time to leave for work.

I hope that we all have a great Wednesday.

I must remember to breathe and when those thoughts creep into my brain, I must move away from my desk and find a quiet spot to bring happy thoughts back to me.

Exercise …… we are missing our walks.

Hopefully this cold weather is almost over.

Regardless tonight we are going for even a 5 minute walk.

Both of us, NEED the fresh air and exercise.

Perhaps that is what is missing.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all the dreamers out there ….. it is never too late and I am reminding myself of that at this time.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 31st day of January, 2018.

I just wanted to sign in and let you know that I am home sick for the third day.

Certainly has kicked the stuffing out of me.

Alvin is happy that I am home ….

I am happy to be with him but thinking about my desk and the amount of work piling up.

ARGH.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of January, 2018.

Happy Birthday to a dear dear friend “L.”

Wishing her a very Happy Birthday.

The sun is out and it is raining.

Yes, it is raining.

January 6th and raining.

WOW.

Slept in a bit later than I had planned but oh well.

I will get everything done ….. just a later start.

Most of my work is in the house anyway …. so the time I start does not matter.

Must go and get that coffee on for my neighbour.

I make the coffee and we share the costs, great deal.

 

Last night I received another Christmas Card.

This one was friends who were spending time in the U.S.A.

Christmas Cards are one of my favourite parts of the Christmas season.

I love writing them up for friends, family, neighbours and co-workers.

I love to hand deliver and to mail them.

I always send photos to as many folks as I can.

A short note in each and some years,  I write a separate letter on pretty holiday decorated paper.

It is a huge part of my preparing for Christmas.

I love receiving them from all over the world.

They come from Sweden, the U.S.A. and all parts of Canada.

It is alike to writing letters which is an art form that has all but passed.

Christmas cards are not as popular as they once were now with the arrival of e-cards and email.

But it is a tradition for me that I keep close to my heart and will continue for as long as I am able.

I do believe that folks love opening the mail box to find cards.

I do believe that folks love receiving a card with a gift.

I do believe that finding a card on your desk at work makes you smile.

Christmas Cards ….. they are for me.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Wishing you all a great Saturday.

Special Hello to: my friend “L” who is having a birthday today.  Wishing that I was there.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of September, 2017.

Yesterday was reported to have been 28 degrees celsius at the highest and today forecast to be 13.

What a change …..

I am grateful that is all I have to worry or think about weather wise.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the folks in the southern U.S.A. and to those in the islands south of the U.S.

 

I had the most odd thought a few minutes ago.

When I moved to Edmonton at the end of March 2009, I set up my computer in the office (or third bedroom).  In this space I had a small desk, my computer and a chair.

Most rooms had no furniture.  I had my bed, the table and chairs in the kitchen and my computer, desk and chair.

I spent several weeks with just these items before I was able to go shopping and pick up other things like a sofa and chairs and a television.

Seems like yesterday but getting onto ten years already.

 

Well time to fly.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Special Hello to: you, today.

Always, Carol & Alvin